Jaundice is caused by bilirubin which is a yellow colored substance responsible for the yellow color of the skin and sclerae.
Bilirubin:
Bilirubin is a waste product which remains in the bloodstream after iron is removed from hemoglobin in red blood cells. When the bilirubin increases in the body, it can leak out into adjacent tissues, saturating them with this yellow substance. Bilirubin is circulating freely in the blood is called unconjugated bilirubin, which also affects the liver. The work of the liver is to remove the waste including bilirubin from the blood.
Symptoms of Jaundice – The symptoms of jaundice are very simple and can be seen with naked eyes. There are several symptoms of jaundice are given below-
- Itchiness
- Yellowish eyes
- Datk urine
- Fever
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes.
- Pale stool
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Skin irritation
- Nausea
So the jaundice is mainly a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes due to increased amount of bilirubin in the blood. The majority of the bilirubin comes from breakdown of heme from the expired red blood cells. It travels to the liver through the blood stream because it is not soluble. Normally, the liver metabolizes and excretes the bilirubin in the form of bile. However, if there is a disruption in this normal metabolism and/or production of bilirubin, jaundice may result.
Jaundice in new born babies – New born babies jaundice is the yellowing of baby’s skin and eyes. New born jaundice is very common and can occur when babies have a high level of bilirubin. In most cases, ir will disappear within two or three weeks.
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